Potential of a conductor in a non-uniform E field

In summary, a positive point charge in space creates an electric field that decreases with distance. When a conducting rod is placed parallel to the field, with one end at a higher potential and the other at a lower potential, the potential throughout the rod will be constant. This is because there can be no net electric field in a conductor. The numerical potential at any point in the rod can be determined by considering the external field potentials at points A and B, which would attract electrons to the end nearest the positive charge and create a positive charge at the end further away.
  • #1
serverxeon
101
0
imagine there is a positive pt charge somewhere in space. so the E field due to this pt charge, falls off with distance.


now, i place a conducting rod parallel to the field some distance away,
such that one end of the rod is at V_A and another end is V_B
(where V_A > V_B)

we also know that there can be no net E-field in a conductor. so potential must be constant throughout a conductor.

my question is. what is the potential?? V_A or V_B? or what?
 
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  • #2
The potential of the conducting rod will be constant. One end will not be at a different potential to the other end.
-charge (electrons) will be attracted to the end nearest the + charge and the end further from the + charge will be + charged.
 
  • #3
Yes I know the mechanism.

My question is what is the numerical potential?

Assume the potential due to the external field at pt A is 10V,
the potential due to the external field at pt B is 5V,

then what is the potential anywhere in the rod?
 

1. What is the potential of a conductor in a non-uniform electric field?

The potential of a conductor in a non-uniform electric field refers to the amount of electrical energy that can be stored in the conductor due to its position in the field. It is measured in volts (V) and is directly related to the strength of the electric field and the distance between the conductor and the source of the field.

2. How does the potential of a conductor change in a non-uniform electric field?

In a non-uniform electric field, the potential of a conductor will vary at different points along its surface. This is because the electric field is stronger in some areas and weaker in others, causing the potential to be higher or lower at those points. This change in potential is known as potential gradient.

3. What is the significance of potential in a conductor?

The potential of a conductor is important because it determines the flow of charges within the conductor. If there is a difference in potential between two points on the conductor, charges will flow from the higher potential to the lower potential, creating an electric current. This is the basis for many electrical devices and systems.

4. How does a non-uniform electric field affect the potential of a conductor?

A non-uniform electric field can cause the potential of a conductor to be higher in some areas and lower in others, resulting in a potential gradient. This can lead to the movement of charges within the conductor, resulting in a redistribution of potential until it reaches equilibrium. The shape and orientation of the conductor can also affect its potential in a non-uniform electric field.

5. How can the potential of a conductor in a non-uniform electric field be calculated?

The potential of a conductor in a non-uniform electric field can be calculated using the equation V = Ed, where V is the potential, E is the electric field strength, and d is the distance between the conductor and the source of the field. This equation assumes that the electric field is constant and the conductor is at a right angle to the field. In more complex situations, calculus may be used to calculate the potential at different points on the conductor's surface.

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